ETX View Magazine Mar Apr 2023

ETX VIEW

YOUR VIEW OF EAST TEXAS

THE NONPROFIT, PHILANTHROPY & FAITH ISSUE

– Samir Germanwala, D.O. l Interventional Cardiologist

Germanwala, D.O. l Interventional Cardiologist

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ANSWERING THE CALL TO SERVE OTHERS

When it comes to lending a helping hand, East Texans always answer the call. The “Nonprofit, Faith and Philanthropy” edition of ETX View is always extra fulfilling to put together because we’re reminded how special our neighbors are.

Our feature story is all about Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Whitehouse. We heard touching stories about how “miracles happen on a daily basis at Starbrite,” a riding facility that offers equineassisted activities to individuals with special needs as well as veterans. We had the opportunity to really see the healing power this Christ-centered nonprofit can provide when we were on site for Jeremiah Ford’s session. You can just see the pure joy in his face! What a fantastic facility we have here in East Texas. Read more on Page 10.

A few pages later, find our Visual section and step right inside the beautiful walls of two historic churches in Tyler and Longview. From their storied history to beautiful architecture, this story will transport you to 1891 and 1935.

Get immersed in the testimonies of Annette Chavez and Christin Heard starting on Page 28. The women are clients of Buckner in Longview, which offers opportunities and services for East Texas families, children and single parents in need. The ministry helped Chavez and Heard find completely new paths and reach their goals during some of the hardest times of their lives.

Another organization that is crucial during a turning point in its clients’ lives is Camp V, which is a one-stop nonprofit for veteran resources in East Texas. Veterans face challenges transitioning back into civilian life, but that’s where the amazing team at Camp V steps in to get them set up for success. Read more on Page 32 about how Camp V helps over 340 veterans in 14 counties each month alone.

Another pair of people breaking stigmas and promoting mental health wellness is Michael and

Jessica Domingos, who run a nonprofit called Tiny Evie Rocks, Page 56, in memory of their sweet girl who died by suicide at age 12. Much like DeeAnn Seawright, on Page 36, who lost her teenage son, these parents have taken their grief and pain to bring something good out of such tragedies.

There are so many other tremendous stories in this issue, but I won’t spoil the surprise. Keep flipping through to take a trip to the historic small town of Granbury, check out some cute dogs and clothes, meet some ladies who rescue leftover food, learn about nonprofit symphony orchestras and their prominence in East Texas, and more.

Before I let you escape into these stories, I want to bring your attention to a few things. First, ETX View and M. Roberts Media will host our inaugural Outdoor Expo on May 20. The expo will highlight all things fishing, hunting, water sports, camping, hiking and junior outdoors. True Vine Brewing Company in Tyler will be the place to be that day if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, as we expect numerous vendors to pack it out. We’re so excited to see you there!

Next, I hope each of you knows how much your support means to us here at the magazine. From our fantastic advertisers to our loyal readers and story subjects, you are the lifeblood of this publication. While we pride ourselves on being heavily involved in our communities, we know there are more stories out there that deserve to be told. If you know of someone or something that would make a good fit to feature in our upcoming Men’s, Family & Education, Women’s or Holiday issues, please don’t hesitate to send me an email or give me a call. I would love to hear from you.

As always, happy reading!

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Surgical Oncology

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“Our team of comprehensive cancer and other specialists provide state-of-the-art care for our patients with an integrated and intensive approach. Our priority is to provide clear and timely communication as part of our thorough, compassionate care. We are dedicated to providing our patients with the best outcomes in their fight against cancer. Here at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances, our goal is always to help you and your family during the difficult times and treatments following a cancer diagnosis. We are here for you.”

“Our team of comprehensive cancer and other specialists provide state-of-the-art care for our patients with an integrated and intensive approach. Our priority is to provide clear and timely communication as part of our thorough, compassionate care. We are dedicated to providing our patients with the best outcomes in their fight against cancer. Here at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances, our goal is always to help you and your family during the difficult times and treatments following a cancer diagnosis. We are here for you.”

“Our team of comprehensive cancer and other specialists provide state-of-the-art care for our patients with an integrated and intensive approach. Our priority is to provide clear and timely communication as part of our thorough, compassionate care. We are dedicated to providing our patients with the best outcomes in their fight against cancer. Here at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances, our goal is always to help you and your family during the difficult times and treatments following a cancer diagnosis. We are here for you.”

Learn more about cancer care at CHRISTUS Health

Learn more about cancer care at CHRISTUS Health

Learn more about cancer care at CHRISTUS Health

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CHRISTUShealth.org

“We emphasize hope, empathy and exceptional care.”

CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Oncology Institute, Institute Chair

“We emphasize hope, empathy and exceptional care.”

Surgical Oncology

CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Oncology Institute, Institute Chair

“We emphasize hope, empathy and exceptional care.”

CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Oncology Institute, Institute Chair

‘A PLACE OF HEALING’

Christ-centered nonprofit shows therapeutic benefits of horses

STORY BY JESSICA T. PAYNE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL CAVAZOS

BARN MANAGER MELISSA LEE helps instructor Sterling Borah as she works with Jeremiah Ford during his morning session at Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

Horses are strong, noble and majestic creatures – but they also have the gentle and intuitive ability to heal. The healing power of horses has long been documented and a local facility is bringing those healing benefits to East Texas.

Starbrite is a therapeutic riding facility that offers equine-assisted activities to individuals with special needs as well as veterans.

Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center opened in Whitehouse in January 2020 with the goal of sharing how horses can profoundly improve the life of those facing mental, emotional or physical difficulties.

The Christ-centered nonprofit currently offers two programs for those dealing with physical, cognitive, social, behavioral and emotional needs that vary widely – the Therapeutic Riding Program and the Veterans Program.

Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center CEO Lauren

Buford said she is convinced the center is a place where miracles happen.

“Miracles happen on a daily basis at Starbrite. I truly believe Starbrite is a place of healing,” she said. “After spending 30-plus years in the performance horse industry, working at Starbrite has given me a place to use my equine knowledge, serve the city I love, and spread the love of Jesus to anyone that comes through our gates.”

Starbrite currently has 10 horses that are fully admitted to the program after going through an extensive evaluation.

The center uses a checklist developed by PATH Intl., Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, as well as a Starbrite standards checklist. Each horse is evaluated over a 90-day period to ensure safety and ability to perform the day-to-day tasks. Horses are ridden by instructors and other staff in “mock lessons” to attempt to simulate the work environment.

“We decide during the evaluation process if the horse is better suited for the Therapeutic Riding Program or for the Veterans Program. Some of our horses are able to do both,” Buford said. “When evaluating for each program, we gauge temperament, size, excitability, whether or

CEO LAUREN BUFORD of Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center with a horse named Mikey.

not they can handle being crowded by side-walkers, which is necessary for therapeutic riding or if they are better suited for independent riders like our veterans.”

A different evaluation process is done for each program and the center requires medical forms to be completed by physicians to determine if therapeutic riding is safe for the individual interested in that program and then an on-site evaluation is done to make sure the potential rider is a fit for the Starbrite program.

The process to become a rider in the Veterans Program is similar; different instructors are utilized with a skill-set tailored toward the veteran rider and their individual needs.

“Our instructors are well-versed in a variety of rider needs and abilities, and all evaluations are done with safety of the rider and horse in mind,” Buford said.

The horses come from a wide variety of backgrounds including lesson program horses, retired search and rescue, ranch horses, hunters, dressage and even a retired roping horse. Horses in the program are donated or purchased by the center which receives funding through individual donations, private foundations, grants, and rider fees.

Buford said Starbrite aims to keep rider fees down and has never turned away a rider due to financial restraints.

“We do our best to keep our fees as low as possible for rider families; we have never turned anyone away for inability to pay fees. Our fees are on a sliding scale based on family income with variables, such as number of family members, taken into consideration,” she said. “We have a Sponsor-a-Rider Program that allows individuals to donate on our website to cover fees for riders who are unable to cover costs themselves. Starbrite has never turned away a rider simply because the family can not cover the fees for the semester.”

Buford explained although funding is needed to keep the programs and facility going, the real work is in the healing.

“At Starbrite, we believe that

INSTRUCTOR STERLING BORAH and barn manager Melissa Lee prepare to have a session with a client at Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

“At Starbrite, we believe that horses are good for the human – mind, body and soul.

- LAUREN BUFORD

horses are good for the human – mind, body and soul. I have seen so many testaments to that from our programs, not only for our riders but horses, employees, and volunteers as well,” she said. “Someone needing assistance walking to their horse who can walk on their own at the end of the session; someone sad and fairly nonverbal at the start of a lesson will be smiling and talking by the end; sensations coming back to parts of the body that doctors said would never feel anything again; a lonely veteran that feels like family when they show up at Starbrite; horses given another chance at a home and a job by coming to be a therapeutic horse at Starbrite; life skills built through barn chores and

volunteer work; the list goes on and on.”

The nonprofit has hopes of growing into a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited facility and has future plans for a large-scale indoor facility that will allow the nonprofit to provide services no matter the weather. As of now, lessons must be canceled during inclement weather or if conditions are too hot or too cold for riders.

As Starbrite continues to grow, Buford said she is just as awe-struck by the facility as she was when it opened.

“Starbrite is a place of peace for me. There is just something about driving through the gates that I can’t really explain. I remember the first time I really experienced it; I had been on the board for a few months and was volunteering in a lesson,” she said. “I come from

Barn manager Melissa Lee walks with Jeremiah Ford as he rides a horse during his morning session at Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

a performance horse background and have been on the back of a horse since I was a very small child; riding really is the love of my life. I have always viewed horses as partners, always known that horses are good for the soul but for some reason, volunteering in that lesson, I was struck with finally recognizing why God made horses.”

“Watching someone who would otherwise be wheelchair bound experience freedom, joy, physical independence, and accomplish riding goals that increase confidence while also increasing physical strength – it just clicked for me,” Buford said.

“This place amazes me every day, there is just something special about this facility. The combination of a Christ-centered atmosphere, a staff that loves their

job, volunteers that tirelessly show up to serve, and the healing opportunities that horses provide; I just can’t put into words the miracles that happen here. It is a tangible feeling of peace, comfort and joy that has to be experienced to be understood,” she added. “The services we provide here enhance the wellbeing of our riders in ways that just can’t be measured.”

There is currently a waiting list for the Therapeutic Riding Program but Buford hopes to start accepting new riders this summer.

Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center is located at 15015 FM 348 in Whitehouse and can be reached at 903530-4050.

For more information, visit www.starbritetyler.org.

Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

Marvin Methodist Church

WHEN WALLS TALK

The architecture and history of Tyler and Longview’s oldest, active churches

STORY BY AMANDA NAIL PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL

Abuilding’s design can act as a fingerprint that connects us to the values and successes of a specific time in history. Across East Texas, churches stand as some of our oldest monuments to innovation, art, and the strength of community. Two to leave such a mark are Marvin Methodist Church in Tyler and First Christian Church in Longview.

Marvin Methodist Church is a kaleidoscope of color, the sun shining through towering stained glass windows, carefully cut and curated over 130 years ago and later restored to their original glory. The organ’s 2,500 pipes sing out from wooden cages near vaulted, gothic ceilings, their sound flowing down the aisles into the hearts of their listeners – the true brick and mortar of the building.

Even in its infancy, Marvin was hailed as “The Cathedral of The West” for its breathtaking Late Gothic Revival architectural design by Matison P. Baker. Indeed, Marvin’s steeply pitched, multi-gabled slate roof, spires, and buttressed walls must have been miraculous to behold on the dusty roads of Tyler in 1891.

During The Panic of 1893 the church was forced onto the auction block for debts unpaid. Church member Mrs. Kettie L. Douglas purchased the property, beginning a tradition of financial stewardship amongst Marvin’s members. Since then, Marvin has been a selfsufficient entity. This commitment to financial independence led to an impressive timeline of growth and innovation on the church’s campus.

The first major renovations to the main sanctuary and the addition of a chapel began before the start of World War II and were dedicated on March 30, 1952. Shortly after, renovations began on a gymnasium, kitchen, and space for youth. Further renovations began in the 1970s to meet the needs of the growing congregation. In 1984, Marvin’s consistent

march forward turned into a sprint, as plans to remodel the Family Ministries building added 62,000 square feet of new construction, including an atrium that connects the older parts of Marvin to the new.

In recent decades, Marvin’s focus has been on renovating and maintaining what it has by making space for a state-of-the-art auditorium for contemporary worship in 2008, completing a significant restoration of the main sanctuary’s 5,000 square feet of stained glass in 2019, and renovations to the third-floor children’s ministry wing this January.

Restoring the stained glass, 128 years old at the time, cost $1.2 million, supported by fundraising efforts, and took 11 months. They were restored once before in 1990. The church expects the most recent restoration project will last between 50 to 80 years, even though the restoration company guaranteed 25 years.

The 36 treasured windows extend from the first floor of the church to the second floor. They depict shapes and Christian symbols, such as an anchor representing hope and steadfastness, a cross and crown symbolic of rewards of the faithful, and wheat and sickle representing a bountiful harvest. The pictorial windows feature Jesus, Moses, Elijah and a bridesmaid. The windows are in different shapes. Some form arches, while others are rectangular and some are circular with various designs.

| CONT. ON PG. 22

Marvin Methodist Church

When asking pastor Dr. Doug Baker what plans the congregation at Marvin is looking forward to next, he smiles humbly and reveals the church is in conversation about “plans to renovate the current sanctuary back to its original 1891 design by 2025” with the pipe organ taking center stage behind the choir and “getting some much needed TLC” after centuries of faithful service and diligent repairs.

Marvin Methodist Church,

located at 300 W. Erwin St., is listed on the Register of Historic Places and is considered a Texas Historic Landmark, recorded in 1968. It was the first church in Smith County with a congregation first organized in 1848. The present church building was erected in 1890 and is now Tyler’s oldest church. However, Marvin’s history is still clearly being written and preserved, one community-fueled project at a time.

The First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in

Longview has a design like none other in East Texas. The clay tiles of its low-pitched roof and slick red bricks bring to mind the heat of summer stones and warm you, even on a rainy Sunday in January. The building, located at 720 N. 6th Street, sprawls like outstretched arms, surrounded by lawns designed for gathering dotted with little benches, memorial walkways, and simple gardens. The effect is a quiet serenity reminiscent of an ancient monastery — a stoic front

First Christian Church

for a humble and heartfelt history, quaintly recorded in the delicate dusky rose illustrations of three buildings on a commemorative porcelain plate and in a letter written by Mrs. Sara Whitehurst to Trevor Smith “then a young man of our congregation” in 2002.

The first congregation consisted of 12 people meeting in a humble schoolhouse on Green Street; until 1875, when the Texas Pacific Railway Company gifted land to construct a

modest, one-story structure with steep pine shingles as the group's first sanctuary. As the congregation grew in 1906, a need for a new building led to the construction of a simple, modified Gothic sanctuary with a baptistery, stained glass windows, and a basement. Sadly, in 1914, a fire destroyed the entire sanctuary, but it was quickly restored. By 1932 the congregation had grown to 700 people during the East Texas Oil Boom and by 1935 construction was completed on the Mediterranean-style

sanctuary the church still meets in today. The only new construction since has been the addition of an education building in the 1950s and “Disciple House,” a gymnasium, kitchen and classroom space completed in 2004.

Now, walking through the keystone-detailed archways into the foyer feels like walking into a grandparent’s home, all cheerful chatter and hugs. Even a stranger is not a stranger in this space. Entering the sanctuary, the second-floor balcony fills half the length of the great hall. Walking down the central aisle, the room opens wide to a stunning view. Exposed wooden beams accenting studded leather panels across the ceiling bolstered by cross beams the size of tree trunks adorned with iron straps. The whole building has a refined and rustic charm: the parchment-colored stucco walls, the narrow rectangles of stained glass – honeycombs of green and golden circles like the sawed-off bottoms of wine bottles – the lovingly stitched banners declaring "Bread of Life" and "Cup of Life" hanging on either side of the dais; as if all the materials could have come straight from the land and homes of the parishioners.

Reading about either of these buildings can’t replace the experience of going inside and meeting the people who breathe life into these spaces and continue to leave their mark on these stunning monuments.

First Christian Church

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Buckner’s services prove life-changing for two women who faced hardships

STORY BY ELIZABETH SOLOMON PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL

Anyone else in Annette Chavez’s shoes would’ve given up. She was sexually abused by her own family members, involved in a gang, mothering a terminally ill son, and mourning the loss of her fiance, who was hit and killed by a drunk driver, all before she reached 30 years of age. Chavez didn’t know how much more she could take.

‘I HIT MY KNEES’

Eventually, Chavez met and married a kind man who adored her son and gave her three more children. Soon, though, her family began to fall apart as her husband became addicted to methamphetamines and was largely absent. In the midst of it all, Chavez clung to her “why” for surviving: her children.

“My whole life was mom life,” she said. “I’ll take being a mom over anything.”

Then, disaster struck. Chavez went into pre-term labor with her fourth child. Her daughter was born with most of her internal organs outside of her body and had to be flown to Children’s Hospital in Dallas. Meanwhile, Chavez’s oldest son’s condition worsened and he ended up in the same hospital as his baby sister. There, he passed away at the age of 13. He’d lived five years past his initial prognosis. Chavez was completely devastated.

During her children’s hospitalization, Chavez’s husband was in prison, so she was alone to care for her three younger children, cope with the mounting bills and grieve for her son. Chavez felt she had officially arrived at the end of her rope.

“I reached a point where I hit my knees and I said, ‘I don’t know who you are, but if

there is a God, I need you,’” Chavez said. “I’ve been strong my whole life, and I can’t do this on my own.”

PRAYING FOR ANSWERS

For years, Mount Pleasant native Christin Heard believed her life wouldn’t amount to much. She became homeless at 18 after her mother passed away, and her mental health plummeted. Her dream of fostering and adopting children seemed unreachable. Even her church family seemed to think her situation was hopeless.

“People at my church told me I’d never adopt, and they sent me to the homeless shelter,” Heard said. “I laid on the bed in the shelter for three years, staring at the ceiling.”

After praying for an answer, Heard received, abundantly. She became a foster mom and completed the vocational training program at Heartisans Marketplace in Longview. Soon after, she met the little girl who would eventually make her a mother.

“From the moment I first held her, we bonded immediately,” Heard said. “When I got Ellie, I was in a dark spot. I wanted to be the best momma I could for her, so I went to Buckner.”

WOMEN FIND BUCKNER

Both women reached a point of desperation before being ready to accept the help that Buckner in Longview was ready to provide.

For the last 30 years, Buckner International’s ministries have offered life-changing – and occasionally, life-saving – opportunities to countless East Texas families, children and single parents in need. With locations to serve both the Longview and Lufkin communities, The Family Hope Center, Family Pathways, Foster Care and Adoption, and the HOPES programs all exist with the same mission: to help families thrive and succeed in living out their God-given potential.

At the Family Hope Center in Longview, parents can take parenting and finance courses, receive family coaching, and be connected with other local nonprofits as needed.

“We want (parents) to tell us what it is they want for their families, and we will offer the skills to handle situations that may come up,” said Shelly Smith, director of administration and operations for Buckner Family and Children Services in East Texas.

Family Pathways provides single parents like Chavez with safe and affordable housing located on campus, child care, and counseling. This allows parents to focus on completing a degree, job training, and taking parenting courses. The Family Pathways ministry originated in Lufkin and, in 2022 alone, Family | CONT. ON PG. 30

ANNETTE CHAVEZ at Buckner Children and Family Services.

Pathways in Longview and Lufkin were able to assist roughly 160 parents and children.

NEW PATHS

“I’m proud of myself for stepping into a (leadership) role and surpassing my own expectations,” said Chavez, who is now the president of the resident council at Family Pathways in Longview. “I’ve become ‘Mama Bear’ to so many girls here after five years in the program.”

In addition to helping mothers work toward their educational and career goals, Family Pathways also ministers to each family’s spiritual

needs.

“My kids are now the strongest Christians you’ll ever meet,” Chavez said. “My (6-year-old) daughter will ask you if you are a Christian, then she’ll ask you if you go to church. If you say no, she’ll say she thought you were a Christian!”

HOPES, or Healthy Outcomes through Prevention and Early Support, is a Longview program matching parent educators with vulnerable families to impart best practices for raising children. With the support of HOPES, Heard gets age-appropriate resources to help her 2-year-old daughter, Ellie, grow and thrive. The program makes an enormous difference for Ellie’s

development, particularly after she experienced complications at birth, Heard said.

“Ellie has become more independent and more verbal,” she explained. “She’s in a 3-year-old class at age 2. She’s speaking in full sentences and is more social, more confident.”

‘LET GO AND LET BUCKNER’

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many charitable organizations were forced to cease operations, Buckner served East Texas families with dedication. Some of the adaptations made necessary by the pandemic are still helping families today; for example, potential

CLIENT CHRISTIN HEARD at Buckner Children and Family Services.

foster parents are able to attend training online if they are unable to be trained in person.

“We had a complete continuum of services and embraced the use of technology quickly,” Smith said. “We turned face-to-face coaching visits into virtual visits and learned how to do social work through a screen. We celebrated every moment coming out of the pandemic.”

Celebrations abound when the programs help bring about client success stories. Later this year, Chavez will complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and Heard will earn an associate’s in education. Both women credit Buckner’s staff of loving professionals with motivating

them to finish what they’d started.

“It’s not a free ride,” Chavez said. “It’s hard to get in and it’s even harder to stay. But there’s nothing more real than this help.”

Heard said, “I don’t typically finish stuff. People start getting close, and I push them away or I run. Buckner has been my family support because I’m completely on my own.”

Working to help foster successful outcomes for families is more than simply a day job for Smith and other Buckner staff members; it’s a mission field.

“(Buckner’s) mission is to protect children and serve vulnerable families,” Smith said. “For me, that is also my purpose and passion.”

By caring for children and their parents while sharing God’s love, Buckner International gives East Texas families strength to face the future with confidence.

“Being in the program made me find myself,” Chavez said. “It helped me learn I don’t have to do it all on my own. It’s not just ‘let go and let God,’ but ‘let go and let Buckner.’”

Heard said, “If God can deliver me from homelessness to a momma in four short years, you can accomplish anything. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Buckner.”

For information about Buckner’s services or how to get involved or donate, visit www.buckner.org/ longview.

LINDA WOMACK, left, Sarah Beasley and Shelly Smith at Buckner Children and Family Services.

‘NO GREATER CALLING’

Camp V connects East Texas veterans with resources to better their lives

STORY BY ZAK WELLERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL CAVAZOS

When veterans come back to civilian life, they feel a bit of cultural shock – not knowing how to speak the language or how to act among others. It’s an integration back into society that can prove difficult.

Resources to help veterans, especially in areas like East Texas, can be few and hard to find, leading to extreme frustration. That’s where Camp V, a 20-acre one-stop nonprofit for veteran resources headquartered in Tyler, comes in to fill in the gaps and help those veterans in some of their deepest pain.

“We've been able to help someone stay in their home, to receive counseling, to finally receive the VA benefits that they were entitled to,” Camp V Executive Director Travis Gladhill said. “All the way to saving lives. We've had multiple veterans come back and tell us that we saved their life because they were at that breaking point.”

Camp V, which stands for Community Assisting Military Personnel and Veterans, was born out of a 2017 Texas Veterans Commission study showing East Texas had the second largest veteran population but the least amount of resources for those veterans, Gladhill said. Those statistics sparked an idea from Camp V co-founders Jim Snow and Susan Campbell, who came together to see what could be done to service area veterans. A property, located at 3212 West Front Street, was purchased and doors first opened in November 2019. Within that first year, the new nonprofit helped over 300 veterans, but in 2022, on average Camp V serves 340 veterans monthly.

“Now, they're able to come here and we can connect them with the right resources and the right answers, and get them set up for success,” Gladhill

CAMP V, an acronym for Community Assisting Military Personnel and Veterans.

CAMP V will hold its third annual Rose City Airfest on June 30 at the Historical Aviation Memorial Museum at the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. The event features several military aircraft performances with proceeds going toward Camp V.

said.

He explained most veterans spend their youth serving their country while speaking and living in a certain structured way. Once that environment is removed, the ability to transition can feel very “daunting” with tasks like writing a resume, seeking education or getting counseling.

“When it comes to the civilian community, imagine packing everything up, and just moving to a different country, where you don't speak the language, and you don't know the culture. That is the best way that I could describe it,” Gladhill said.

Just in one location, veterans from across 14 East Texas counties can find help with employment, Veterans Affairs claims, medical needs, counseling, education, insurance, emergency finances and more. Camp V also has service dog training, peer groups, a women’s

center, a wheelchair program for veterans, recreation center and massage therapy.

The campus will soon add a chapel and event center, an outdoor concert pavilion, transitional housing and an equine (horse) therapy program, Gladhill detailed. He added Camp V plans to use every inch of the property.

“There's pretty much nothing that we can't assist with when it comes to the veterans and their family members,” Gladhill said. “You name it, we've got it here at Camp V. So we are the perennial, one-stop shop for all veteran needs.”

One of the most impactful parts of Camp V is the fact it’s a space for veterans to still have the camaraderie they miss about their military service.

“You don't have to have a need to come to Camp V,” Gladhill said. “You can just come to Camp V and hang out with other veterans and drink some coffee, shoot a game of pool, play in the arcade or hang

out in the business center or get a workout in the fitness center.”

Rally Point, one of the largest peer groups, brings just over 60 veterans together on average each week.

Gladhill, who served in the Air Force for 22 years, said despite never imagining running a nonprofit for veterans, now he couldn’t see himself doing anything else.

“There's no greater calling than what we're doing here,” he said.

Those interested in helping Camp V can do so in two major ways: either monetary donations or volunteering.

Randy Rigg, a Marine Corps veteran who served from 1974 to 1977 in the U.S. and overseas, is among one of the volunteers who helps three days a week by making phone calls and followup assessments with veterans. He started coming to the Green Zone, an organization within the Andrews Center, before the nonprofit opened. When places started to open back up after the COVID-19 pandemic, he visited the Rally Point lunches and became familiar with Camp V’s strategic plan.

Following his retirement, the lifelong volunteer decided to bring his talents to Camp V. He said veterans around his age had nothing like Camp V when they got out of the service. Fortunately, Rigg said he was directed to the correct resources in his small town and learned how to earn a college degree through the G.I. Bill. Now, he enjoys using his connections to inform veterans who don’t know about Camp V.

Camp V relies strictly on donations and grants for its funding. People can donate through campvtyler.org. Gladhill said $10 a month will pay for a veteran’s service dog training and $20 a month could provide 240 meals to veterans. All donated money goes directly toward veteran services.

Those interested in volunteering can also visit the website and click the volunteer button.

Camp V’s one and only fundraiser, the Rose City Airfest, will celebrate its third annual event on June 30 at the Historical Aviation Memorial Museum at the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. The event features several military aircraft performances with proceeds going toward Camp V.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRAVIS GLADHILL speaks about the growth of Camp V, a 20-acre one-stop nonprofit for veteran resources in East Texas.

| CONT. FROM PG. 32

Grace THROUGH GRIEF

TROUP BUSINESS OWNER

DEEANN SEAWRIGHT FINDS PURPOSE THROUGH PAIN

STORY BY JESSICA T. PAYNE PHOTOS BY LES HASSELL

Not all business endeavors begin with a grand, mapped out plan. The story behind how owner DeeAnn Seawright came to open her Christian gift shop, Daily Grace Effect, is not a joyful one.

In 2011 Seawright tragically lost her son Alex who passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 19. Following his death, she fell into deep depression and despair and felt a lack of purpose.

Seawright recounts the moment in 2012 when she heard a voice that would help her on her journey to healing.

“I spent many months in a daze of depression until one day, I heard the Lord say, ‘Make soap.’ Thinking I had truly lost it, I did just that. In obedience to God, I started making soap,” she said. “I eventually made so much that I needed something to do with it all. That’s when I started going to events and festivals to sell the soap.”

Although she didn’t know it then, Seawright was being led down a path of healing not only for herself, but for others around her.

“I did not realize at the time, Christ was helping me heal. What started as a small soap business of homemade soaps has blossomed over the years into a Christian store where we provide resources to encourage and provide a Christ-centered life to all who visit,” she said. “God has once again turned a tragedy into an opportunity to share His gospel and the love of Christ.”

Seawright opened the first Daily Grace Effect brick and mortar in Tyler in 2017. The location permanently closed in 2020 due to COVID-19 and Seawright’s need to care for her aging parents.

In April of last year, Seawright opened her location in Troup. Seawright explained the decision behind opening the Troup store was to ensure smaller towns had faith resources readily available.

DAILY GRACE EFFECT is a Christian gift store offering Bible study courses, T-shirts, locally painted art, handmade soaps and more in Troup.

BUSINESS LEADERS

“When deciding to open our new store in Troup, my goal was to bring God’s word and spiritual tools and merchandise to the local community,” she said. “Having a locally-owned and operated store in a small town can make such a big impact on the people of the community, and the smaller surrounding communities, by having those resources readily available and easily accessible.”

The Christian gift shop has something for everyone, “whether it is a gift for a loved one who has just accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, a Sunday school teacher at church who wants to borrow one of our lesson plans for class, a mother who needs some spiritual support and guidance, or someone who just really likes the store’s décor,” Seawright said.

“Our store is filled with Christian gifts and resources such as bibles, journals and devotionals. We offer apparel, jewelry, home décor, gourmet foods, garden décor and supplies for churches as well,” she said. “We want to make sure our customers have exactly what they need when they visit our store, so gift bags and packaging are also offered in addition to making custom gift baskets from hand-picked items around our store.”

The name of the business has a very special meaning.

“The name comes from the fact that Christ had a daily effect on me with his love and grace and my children have a daily effect on me, both of which are very important,” she said.

Seawright, who previously owned a bookkeeping service, said she felt it was a blessing to be called toward her more creative and nurturing nature.

“I am a creative person at heart, and after the loss of my son I was happy that God directed me on the path of sharing that with others. Through sharing my testimony, the story of how Daily Grace Effect was started, and following God’s directions, I am able to testify that there can be hope, joy and laughter after a loss,” she said.

Seawright said her journey has taught her in times of loss and heartache to not turn away from God to focus on her sorrow and to let God help her through her sadness.

“God led me on a new path where I belong,” she said. “Openly sharing my story has opened the door to many conversations and friendships from others who have experienced losses of their own.”

Seawright hopes through Daily Grace Effect, she can help share the message that there is life after loss and purpose through pain.

“Healing will come with time and before you know it, you’ll be smiling again. At Daily Grace Effect, we want to help you smile too,” she said.

Seawright credits her faith in God with guiding her to find a light in the darkness and she is grateful to be able to share that grace with others through her business.

“What started in tragedy, is now what provides me with daily affirmation of God’s love for me and by His grace and guidance, I am able to joyfully share my testimony with others,” Seawright said.

For more information, visit the Daily Grace Effect Facebook page or call 903-570-5143.

OWNER DEEANN SEAWRIGHT at Daily Grace Effect in Troup.

FEATURE PRESENTED BY

A POSTCARD-STYLE MURAL welcomes visitors to Granbury at the downtown Granbury Square Plaza.

HALLMARK TOWN

Plan your getaway to historic Granbury

THE SMALL TOWN OF GRANBURY – RICH IN HISTORY WITH UNDENIABLE SOUTHERN CHARM – DRAWS VISITORS IN FOR AN AUTHENTIC TEXAS GETAWAY.

SPEND A DAY ENJOYING EVERYTHING THE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SQUARE HAS TO OFFER THEN SPEND THE NEXT ON THE BEAUTIFUL LAKE. HISTORY BUFFS CAN HAVE A FIELD DAY EXPLORING THE MORE THAN 40 HISTORIC LANDMARKS AROUND THE CITY. THERE’S NO SHORTAGE OF THINGS TO DO; IF ANYTHING, VISITORS WILL FIND THEMSELVES WISHING THEY HAD MORE TIME TO SPEND IN THIS CAPTIVATING CITY.

Thousands of visitors flock to Granbury year-round to enjoy what the visitors bureau calls a true “Hallmark town.”

“Known as being the most charming place in Texas and voted ‘Best Historic Small Town in America’ three years in a row by USA Today, Granbury is famous for our history and the historic Granbury square – full of shops, wineries, and restaurants,” said Tammy Dooley, director of the Granbury Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We have theater, music, and a thriving art scene but the fun does not stop after dark; the square continues to welcome visitors, including our haunted ghost tours.”

That’s right – ghost tours all year long. The Granbury Ghosts and Legends Tour is a spooky way for visitors to learn about the history, legends and folklore of the historic city that was founded in 1866. The tours are offered at 7 and 9:15 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night for just $10 and $7 for children 12 and under. As you walk around the downtown square, tour guides will share stories of intriguing legends and you may meet a ghost like John Wilkes Booth.

“Our tour is friendly for people of all ages. We have

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SANTANA WOOD |

CONT. ON PG. 46

THERE ARE NUMEROUS SHOWS set in March and April at the Granbury Opera House.

FEATURE PRESENTED BY

RESIDENTS AND VISITORS OF GRANBURY walk through the downtown square as a Granbury Trolley passes by. The trolley runs Fridays 4 to 10 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on an hour-long route starting at the visitors center. The complimentary shuttle stops at hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other locations as it loops on the 377 corridor back through the Historic Downtown Square.

taken Daisy Girl Scouts that have loved it, and we have taken 35-year-old men that get scared,” according to Granbury Tours.

HISTORIC SITES

One of the things that makes Granbury a unique destination is its wealth of historic sites.

Standing tall as the centerpiece of the historic district, the Hood County Courthouse with its beloved three-story clock tower has been called “the heart and soul” of the community. It’s also the most photographed attraction in the city, according to the visitors bureau. The clock tower was severely damaged during a tornado in 1968, but calls for preservation led county commissioners to determine it was worth saving. This “sparked a renewed interest in historic Granbury and eventually developed into the strong preservation ethic of the community today,” said Mary Saltarelli of Preserve Granbury, according to the Texas Historical Commission.

Just off the square, visitors can stop by the old 1885 jailhouse that has been turned into the Hood County Jail Museum, showcasing numerous artifacts and memorabilia depicting the county’s history. The building was the only jail for the city until 1978. The first floor served as living quarters for deputies; the second floor includes the gallows, a single cell for women or mentally ill inmates, and a main cell which has an iron cage designed as two cells with up to four beds each.

If a ghost tour wasn’t enough to satisfy your cravings for a haunt, stop by the Granbury State Historical Cemetery. Although not proven, it’s alleged and believed by many townspeople that Jesse James lies there.

Just 5 miles outside the city, another must-see is the gravesite of Elizabeth Crockett, the second wife of Davy Crockett, located at the Acton State Historic Site – also known as the smallest state park in Texas at just .01 acres.

THE SQUARE

Granbury’s storied history doesn’t stop at the historical landmarks

A JUKEBOX is pictured in Wagon Yard.

CONT. FROM PG. 44

ACTON STATE HISTORIC SITE includes the burial site of Elizabeth Crockett, second wife of Davy Crockett.

FEATURE PRESENTED BY

FARINA'S ITALIAN SALAD is a bowl of mixed field greens, pepperoni, green olives, artichokes, kalamata olives, and Italian cheese served with Farina’s homemade creamy Italian dressing.

FEATURE PRESENTED BY scattered throughout the city; the square itself is filled with endless tales and timeless buildings of its own. While you take in the rich history of Texas’ most historic courthouse square, you can enjoy dozens of eateries, boutiques, and entertainment venues. Depending on the time of your visit, you may even catch one of the town’s highlyanticipated events held in the square.

A great spot for breakfast is Baked! Bread & Pastry Company. Their croissants and other offers are a “life-changing experience,” Dooley said.

Once your belly is full, start your day shopping around the square. You could spend hours at the Wagon Yard, which offers eclectic home furnishings and other unique knickknacks. Boutiques and other shops have something for everyone.

THE BRAZOS DRIVE-IN THEATER is one of just a handful of its kind left in Texas. It opens for the season on March 5 and will include a single feature Thursday through Saturday at $20 per car or $15 for military, police, firefighters, teachers, students, doctors, nurses and seniors 60-plus. Single adults pay just $10. Gates open an hour and 15 minutes before dusk and close 15 minutes after the show begins.

Grab lunch at one of the numerous options on the square. Recommended by locals, 1890 Grille & Lounge’s Texas Trilogy is the No. 1 stop in the city for its appetizer of free-range chicken, Texas quail wrapped in applewood smoked bacon with a sliver of jalapeno and tenderloin. Also on the square and No. 4 on the city’s ‘Foodie Trail’ is Christina’s American Table, known for its good vibes and aestheticallypleasing, high-quality fine dining food. The shrimp and grits is a local favorite to have as your main dish, but you’d regret leaving the city without trying their delectable chocolate ganache dessert. Ranking at No. 5, Farina’s Winery & Cafe is a classic spot for Italian food lovers.

For your entertainment of the night, stop by the 1886 Granbury Opera House which is home to fantastic productions by the Granbury Theatre Company worthy of standing-ovations. The arts scene on the square remains lively with shows at Granbury Live, hailed as “the most intimate music venue in Texas.”

After a show, stop by Silver Saddle Saloon before leaving the square. Open ’til midnight on weekends, their toasted pretzel ice cream sandwich is “absolutely heavenly,” said owner Rebecca Meadors. This saloon and ice cream

parlor has all the western vibes and is a great hangout spot for any age.

If you want to have a more chill night, head out to the Brazos Drive-In Theater right off the square. This iconic drive-in is one of just a few left in the state and makes a fun family outing or romantic date night. Shows open for the season March 5 and are held Thursday through Saturday at dusk.

LAKE GRANBURY

Within walking distance of the square, the Granbury City Beach Park on Pearl Street is a beautiful destination for visitors. The sandy beach is the perfect spot for picnicking or to spend a day swimming. You can also take a walk along the long boardwalk to soak up all the breathtaking views of Lake Granbury.

Whether you want to grab a pole and go fishing at one of the city’s many public piers, camp, or spend the day on the water with a boat, kayak, jet ski or paddleboard, the lake is a great option for outdoor enthusiasts.

LODGING

Among its lodging options, Granbury offers log cabins, lake houses, historic bed and breakfasts, haunted accommodations, and luxury hotels to choose from. One of the most popular spots is Hotel Lucy, recommended by locals and tourists alike. It is within walking distance of the historic courthouse square and right across from the city beach park.

“Each room boasts a different and carefully curated theme complete with lavish furnishings, premium bedding, and stunning amenities,” according to Hotel Lucy.

KEEP EXPLORING

Along with all of these activities, Granbury offers breweries and wineries, annual festivals, trolley tours and so much more. For a full guide of the arts, attractions, entertainment, shopping, recreation and historic things to do in the city, go to visitgranbury.com or stop by the visitors bureau in person at 201 E. Pearl St. The visitors bureau also offers a full spring break guide and details on all the festivals set throughout the year, including in March and April.

FEATURE PRESENTED BY

VISITORS AND

RESIDENTS

OF GRANBURY can always find something to do on the historic downtown square. Photo Courtesy of Shad Ramsey Photography

| CONT. FROM PG. 51

THOSE WHO VISIT GRANBURY in the spring or summer can enjoy a beautiful lake day on a boat, kayak, jet ski or paddleboard. Additionally, on the City Beach Park, you can rent things such as kayaks, paddleboards or bikes to tour the sights in Granbury. Photo Courtesy of Shad Ramsey Photography

VISITORS CAN ENJOY a nice beverage like a margarita while they take in the sights of Lake Granbury.

INTERIM CONSTRUCTION

HOME MORTGAGE

HOME EQUITY

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REFINANCES

LAND LOANS

ONE TIME CLOSING WITH SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS IN CLOSING COSTS

A PHOTO OF EVIE DOMINGOS sits on a table next to some of the over 18,000 stones that have been handpainted in her honor for the Tiny Evie Rocks mission.

Tiny Evie Rocks

Parents establish nonprofit to break mental health stigma after daughter’s death

STORY BY ANA CONEJO PHOTOS BY LES HASSELL

In honor of their 12-year-old daughter, Evie, Jessica and Michael Domingos have made it their mission to spread kindness and love, while advocating for mental health for all ages through their nonprofit called Tiny Evie Rocks.

The nonprofit is in honor of their late daughter Evie, who left a lasting imprint during her time in this world.

The 12-year-old was empathetic, loved by many, a lover of arts and crafts and an extreme music fanatic, the couple said. Although Evie’s aura positively shined in many ways, she struggled with depression brought on by severe anxiety at a young age. Evie died of suicide in May 2019.

Reliving the memories of when Evie struggled with depression, Jessica Domingos recalls taking her daughter to the hospital when her mental health began to decline, showing troubling signs. Jessica said the hospital failed to take her daughter in and didn’t give her the proper attention she needed.

“They didn't admit her because she told him she didn't have a plan,” Jessica said.

“We can't go back and if I could, I would have fought for better health for my child. We did what we could, we got her to a psychiatrist, we got her in therapy, which is what they told us to do, but they sent her home. If that was happening to me today, I'd fight, fight, fight harder to get her better help than was given to her, but we can't go backwards,” she said. “All we can do is go forward and help other people and spread our message of hope, love and acceptance especially to those that may have not been told they’re loved.”

Evie knew she was loved and accepted by her family, Jessica said. Through the nonprofit, the Domingoses use their experience to move forward by spreading love, kindness and the importance of mental health with events that provide resources for East Texas residents.

TINY EVIE ROCKS COMES TO LIFE

At first the nonprofit started with kindness rocks, which was inspired through Evie’s memorial service when friends and neighbors showed up with them.

“We had never heard of them, seen them or anything like that, but just felt compelled to start painting hearts on some of the rocks,” Michael said. “We started hiding them on the trails where we live….”

Once they started hiding the kindness rocks throughout the area, messages started pouring in from people who said the rocks were making their day. Not only were the rocks changing the outlook of people's lives but also gave the couple a shared purpose to do together while grieving

MICHAEL AND JESSICA DOMINGOS founders of Tiny Evie Rocks.

with the loss of Evie.

During the first year of Evie’s death, 600 rocks were hidden all over the city of Dallas, where the family was formerly located before moving to East Texas.

“The response was so amazing,” Michael said. Rocks have consisted of a variety of colors with special kindness messages and emphasis on the importance of love and mental health. Although the rocks inspired the start of the nonprofit, the nonprofit has stopped making them and has moved on to make a bigger impact.

NONPROFIT EVOLVES

About 18,000 rocks later, Tiny Evie Rocks has expanded in many ways to create a bigger impact through a variety of events. The nonprofit has conducted a rock concert event to honor Evie’s love for music and her appreciation toward the genre. Not only does the event feature musical performances for residents to enjoy but it is also a way for attendees to be exposed to mental health resources through a unique way.

“It seemed like a great opportunity to open that

door for conversations about mental health. When we did our concert at Bergfeld Park, we'd kind of envision, you know, people hearing the commotion and seeing the band and saying, ‘Oh, let's go check it out,’ and then they learn the story behind the concert and it opens that chance to have a conversation and to find out what resources are available in the community,” Jessica said.

Another way they’re using the nonprofit is as a tool to talk to kids about the issue, and expose them to something that Evie was not exposed to.

“Growing up, they didn't teach that in schools. Nobody taught us how to deal with anxiety, stress or big feelings, and a lot of behavior problems you see with children stem from mental health issues. If you can meet that child where they're at, help them regulate their emotions, let them be seen and accepted, they can get to the point where they can function regularly in the classroom and be their best selves,” Jessica said. “If you can actually see them, be there for them and help them regulate, they can thrive.”

According to the couple, the main goal of the nonprofit is to reduce suicide rate in Smith County,

MICHAEL AND JESSICA DOMINGOS say over 18,000 stones have been hand-painted in honor of their daughter, Evie, for the Tiny Evie Rocks mission.

MICHAEL DOMINGOS, co-founder and executive director of Tiny Evie Rocks, speaks to concert attendee about the kindness rocks being showcased and given for free during a September 2022 event. Photo by Ana Conejo.

show love, and showcase the importance of caring for your mental health.

The nonprofit is not only run by Michael and Jessica, but has also established a board that brings in different viewpoints to mental health awareness with a variety of members such as a counselor, people who have attempted suicide, people who have family that have attempted suicide, mental health advocates, and individuals who have family with mental health issues.

“We've kind of got a little bit of everybody so that we can come together from different points of view to build our programs and reach the community,” Jessica said.

Tiny Evie Rocks aims to emphasize to everybody that they’re not alone, Jessica said.

“Our message to everybody is, you're not alone. We all struggle at some level, and we're here to stand with you and to fight against that stigma. Smith County has the highest suicide rate in Texas, so we don't think it's by accident that we ended up in Tyler. The community is hurting and Texas has the least amount of mental health resources of the 50 states; we're 50 on the list of receiving money to help with mental health,” she said.

“... being in a rural area, people are less likely to talk about it, so we've got to change that, we've

got to keep talking about it. We've got to keep working with the state to get more funding and make change.”

Tiny Evie Rocks wants to bring exposure to the topic in order to break the longstanding stigma.

“You have to have that conversation and keep having it in order to break the stigma of mental health and suicide. Because without that, without that conversation, the stigma won't be broken and people will just hold in their grief, their sadness, their depression, and not get help,” said Jessica.

The nonprofit plans to continue expanding, including by getting inside schools within East Texas to help children with their emotions by providing them with mental health resources. The group also plans to start a mental health-focused Little Free Library, where the community can obtain mental health books for free. Tiny Evie Rocks will continue holding its rock concert in order to merge mental health resources and will also hold mini music and mental health nights at local businesses.

The nonprofit is always in need of funds and welcomes support from local mental health organizations. Community members wanting to support the movement can visit www. tinyevierocks.org/info for ways to donate and for more information. You can also find them on social media platforms under ‘Tiny Evie Rocks.’

“Our message to everybody is, you're not alone. We all struggle at some level, and we're here to stand with you and to fight against that stigma."

-Jessica Domingos

| CONT. FROM PG. 59

Bartlett Gives Back

WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT THESE LOC AL ORGANIZATIONS:

American Cancer Society

Cattle Barons

American Heart Association

A Very Village Christmas

Art Walk - Midtown

Blue Jeans and Ballgowns

Boys and Girls Club

Camp Gilmont

Chicks and Chaps

CHRISTUS Good Shepherd

Denim and Diamonds

East Texas Angel Network

East Texas Christian School

East Texas CASA

East Texas Groomers Challenge

East Texas Treatment Center

Gladewater ISD

Go Red for Women

Gold Rush

Great Texas Balloon Race

Gregg County Historical Museum

Hallsville Education Foundation

Heartlight Ministries

Holiday Tea Room

Judson Metro Fire Department

Junior Achievements

Keep Longview Beautiful

Kilgore College

Scholarship

Letourneau University TAIR

Longview Catholic School

End Fund

Longview Habitat for Humanity

Longview High School

Lobo Golf

Longview Interfaith Hospitality

Network s Longview ISD Football

Longview Museum of Fine Arts

Longview PRCA Rodeo

Longview Rotary

Longview Symphony

Magic and Mayhem

New Diana ISD

Pine Tree ISD

Raise the Roof

Saint Mary's Catholic School Wunderfall

School for Little Children

Spring Hill ISD

Taste of Longview

Tatum Education Foundation

The Crisman School Ruby Awards

Trinity School of Texas Gala

Union Grove ISD

Tiffany Jehorek, LMFA

STRUT YOUR Stuff Stuff

STORY BY SANTANA WOOD PHOTOS BY LES HASSELL

Hundreds of dogs – and their humans – will take laps around the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center during the last weekend of March.

The 1-mile walk, Strut Your Mutt, is a fundraiser hosted by Longview PAWS to benefit the animal shelter.

MADELYN CREEL wears a purple Stella dress, $58, and tall white boots, $120, and Mackenzie Hedgecock wears a cream cocoon Mono B cardigan, $48, with matching joggers, $35, a black v-neck by Mono B, $24, Paulina Shu Shop midrise shoes, $95, all from Coco & Meg, at the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center.

To promote the event and all the great work done by the municipal shelter and its nonprofit, ETX View Magazine descended upon the facility on a beautiful, breezy Monday in February where models – including fourlegged ones – strutted the day away in fashion provided by a local boutique.

FASHION PRESENTED BY

MADELYN CREEL, left, wears a pink smiley sequins top, $60, Eunica skater jeans, $58, and Paulina pink canvas midrise shoes, $95, and Mackenzie Hedgecock wears a Hunter camel romper, $64, all from Coco & Meg in Longview, while posing with Chili Cheese Coney the dog at the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center.

Strut Your Mutt is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center. Hosted by nonprofit Longview PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving), the 1-mile wag walk isn’t just a tremendous way to bring in much-needed funds to the municipal shelter and nonprofit group; it’s also a highly-anticipated and beloved community event.

Animal Services Manager Chris Kemper said the event has grown each year and always draws a large crowd of participants, attendees and vendors. Attendees will get a T-shirt and dog bandana, and there will be music, contests, numerous vendors and all sorts of familyfriendly activities to enjoy at the event set to begin at 10 a.m. March 25. Office Manager Jenna George said the event accomplishes one of the shelter’s major goals – sharing its

mission with the community.

“It’s a fun way to raise awareness, but also gives the community a reason to come to us. Even if they’re not actually participating with their dog, they still want to come and enjoy the fun which also gives them the chance to see our facility and what we do,” George said. “It’s amazing the amount of people in the community who don’t even know we’re here. Anything we can do to get them in the door is considered a huge success.”

Members of the community are invited to come tour the 20,885-square-foot facility anytime.

“I’m proud to show off what we do. I love giving tours because you can only assume so much from what you see online, what you hear from your neighbor, or what the building looks like driving by. Until you come inside, or even volunteer, you can’t | CONT. ON

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| CONT. FROM PG. 65

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understand the magic that truly goes on and everything it takes to operate the facility and provide care for animals in Gregg County.”

The Longview organization, which officially opened in the summer of 2016, is the local municipal facility for all of Gregg County, George said.

“Our goal is to home, house and care for any animal in this county that doesn't have a place to go,” George said. “We do medical checks, vaccinate the animals, care for them, and do everything we can to enrich their lives while they’re here. Our focus is to find them loving, forever homes.”

George said it’s a tremendous undertaking, but the facility’s employees take pride in what they do each day.

“We take in thousands of animals

every year. We are a large facility and it’s a lot of work to do it, but I’m very proud of who I work with and what we do. If it wasn't me or one of my co-workers, then who else would do it? And that’s what brings us back to do it every day. We all believe in the same mission.”

George said the staff work to not only help house animals who need a home, but also to educate adopters on how to care for the animals once they leave the facility. Thanks to funds provided by Longview PAWS, the nonprofit dedicated to helping the municipal-run facility, the center has many things in place to ensure pet owners have everything they need to take good care of the adopted animals.

One thing PAWS was instrumental in getting off the ground is

heartworm prevention. Dogs housed in the shelter are all on heartworm prevention and once they’re adopted, the new owners are sent home with a few months' supply and educated on the importance of continuing to administer that prevention.

“Dr. Christine Prior (veterinarian at the LACAC) teaches classes monthly about heartworm and disease prevention, so we learn this information straight from our vet. Then, we have all the knowledge and can in turn educate the community as they’re going home with an animal. The end result is healthier animals in all of Gregg County,” George said.

Another initiative made possible by PAWS is the shelter’s Spay It Forward program, which helps cover the cost of having pets spayed or neutered at participating vets. Most vets in the county accept the vouchers, which take $100 off the surgery, or the surgery can be performed completely free for those who use the Animal Protection League.

“This program is huge because it helps reduce the number of stray or unwanted animals in the community, and it’s all made possible with community donations that keep this

A 14-KARAT WHITE GOLD RING with 3.15-carat pink tourmaline stone and diamond detailing, $2,180, a 14-karat gold 7-carat colored stone ring, $1,210, a 14-karat gold 2.2-carat colored stone ring, $2,090 and a 14-karat gold circle pendant with colored stones, $1,370, all available at Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry.

18-KARAT GOLD BUTTERFLY DIAMOND EARRINGS, available for $1,320, an 18-karat gold butterfly ring with diamond detailing, available for $1,570, available for $1,520 from Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry at the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center.

MACKENZIE HEDGECOCK models a matching jogger set from Coco & Meg and jewelry from Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry in Longview.

FASHION PRESENTED BY

program going,” George said.

Every animal that leaves the shelter is fixed in-house before going to its new home, George said. However, animal shelters can only do so much to help with the crisis of overpopulation.

“Millions of cats and dogs go into shelters in the U.S. alone every year, and even if most people fix their animals, we could control that number,” George said. “It’s hard to see animals come in every day when in many circumstances, something as simple as spaying or neutering would’ve prevented these animals overpopulating and becoming unwanted on the streets.”

The shelter welcomes volunteers and donations.

“Three things we will always, always need are washcloths, towels and blankets. We go through those so much because they are washed daily for sanitation purposes and therefore wear out easily,” George

FASHION PRESENTED BY

14-KARAT GOLD 2.2-carat colored stone ring, available for $2,090 and a 14-karat gold circle pendant with colored stones, available for $1,370 from Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry, at the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center.

14-KARAT WHITE GOLD RING with 3.15-carat pink tourmaline stone and diamond detailing, available for $2,180, an 18-karat gold bracelet with diamonds, available for $1,980, a 14-karat gold flexible diamond bangle, available for $1,750 and a 14-karat rose gold flexible diamond bangle, available for $1,750 from Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry at the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center.

said. “We also welcome dog and cat toys – anything they can play with to make them happy while they spend their days here. Of course dog and cat food and treats are also great to have.”

Those who wish to support the shelter can also donate money to either the municipal facility itself or the nonprofit, Longview PAWS. Those can be made in person or online.

Interested volunteers are also encouraged to inquire about getting involved.

“Our volunteers are truly part of our organization. We have our regulars that we are so thankful for and welcome newcomers as well. There are so many different things you can do, from walking dogs in the mornings or afternoons, playing with the cats to help them get socialized and out of the kennels, and even cleaning duties like laundry or dishes.”

For more information about how to get involved, visit www. longviewtexas.gov/3885/AnimalCare-and-Adoption-Center. For more details about Strut Your Mutt, visit www.longviewpaws.org/strutyour-mutt. Participants can register ahead of time or on the day of the walk, at 9:30 a.m. March 25.

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DONUT WORRY

FOOD FINDERS TEAM UP WITH LOCAL CHARITIES TO COMBAT FOOD INSECURITY

STORY BY ANA CONEJO

PHOTOS BY LES HASSELL & ANA CONEJO

Helping to reduce food waste and hunger in Smith County, a local nonprofit organization is making a difference in the community and helping other nonprofits feed those in need.

Driving around and making weekly impromptu stops at local businesses is part of the regular schedule for co-founders of local nonprofit Food Finders of Smith County.

Founded by Jill Hossley, Keira McCreery, and Carol Lee, Food Finders consists of a group of volunteers who go around restaurants in the county and pick up unwanted food that would normally go to waste. Once the volunteers pick up the food, it is delivered to a number of local nonprofits that aid those in need of food.

“We rescue perfectly healthy prepared food that is not consumed and that would normally be discarded,” the group said. “Our volunteers pick up food from participating restaurants, schools, grocers,

farmers markets and transport it to local charities serving the food-insecure in our community.”

The nonprofit started in November 2019 and began partnering with other nonprofits and pantries such as the East Texas Crisis Center, Center Core, the Highway at Triumph Village, Salvation Army, East Texas Cares Resource Center, St. Paul’s Children’s Services, PATH, East Texas Food Bank, St. Louis Baptist Church, and more.

Just like any other week, the volunteers could be found one day in January dropping off food from Donuts Delight to East Texas Cares Resource Center, which receives about 500 pounds of food per week thanks to the nonprofit. Donut Delight is one of the nonprofit’s regular partner businesses that donates extra food to help those in need.

Paul Miller, food pantry and coordinator at East Texas Cares Resource Center, said Food Finders has helped in so many ways

FROM LEFT, FOOD FINDERS OF SMITH COUNTY VOLUNTEER Lianne Sanchez and co-founders Keira McCreery, Jill Hossley, and Carol Lee pose with food donations from Donut Delight. The nonprofit was founded with a mission to rescue food that would normally be discarded and then transport it to charities to help those in need.

CO-FOUNDER OF FOOD FINDERS OF SMITH COUNTY Jill Hossley places food donations from Donut Delight inside a bag before a delivery session to East Texas Cares Resource Center. The nonprofit partners with multiple local businesses and charities.

FOOD FINDERS OF SMITH COUNTY CO-FOUNDERS, from left, Jill Hossley and Keira McCreery place food donations from Donut Delight inside bags before a delivery drop-off to East Texas Cares Resource Center on Jan. 13. The nonprofit partners with local businesses to help combat food insecurity in the county.

from increasing the budget of the center to most importantly “filling the gap” of food insecurity.

“I leave with food insecurity every Friday but for some reason every Monday rolls around I feel better,” Miller said in regards to the Monday Food Finders drop-off that benefits a lot of people experiencing homelessness in the community.

According to feedingamerica. org, more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, experience food insecurity in the United States. The United States Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in the household to live an active and healthy life.

“This can be a temporary situation for a family or can last a long time. Food insecurity is one way we measure how many people can't afford food,” according to the website.

Hossley is proud of what the nonprofit is doing and considers it a way to make a small difference on community members in need of food.

“There's a solution to this

problem in our community. There's healthy food that's being discarded that we rescue. So how lucky are we, that there's a solution to their problem right here,” she said.

According to Lee, through picking up food, the Food Finders have learned about the many places and people in the county who help combat food insecurity.

“We have uncovered so many more pantries in town that I never knew existed and it’s a good feeling for me to know that it's not just us. It's not just one or two other people there. There is a whole network, right here… and they've shared things with us too. We are just the transport service between extra food being at place A, and getting it to somebody who needs it at place B,” Lee said.

“I think Tyler is a very philanthropic community and because there is a solution to this problem of food insecurity, they always step up,” added Hossley.

Lee said the nonprofit aims to encourage and get more support from local businesses who can offer food donations. She mentioned that many businesses are scared to donate food and wants them to know about the Good Samaritan

Food Donation Act that protects food donors. “The law addresses the liability concerns of donors who contribute food in good faith … to encourage the donation of food and grocery products to nonprofit organizations for distribution to needy individuals…,” according to the East Texas Food Bank.

In order to donate food, a business must contact the nonprofit, seal the food and freeze it. After contacting the Food Finders, volunteers will make their way to the business and pick up the food then deliver it to its destination without making a stop.

“...we don't stop anywhere when we're delivering it. So the integrity of that food is always maintained until it gets into the hands of the people who are going to eat it. Number 1, people who donate their food are protected by the laws, and then we know how to handle the food, so that integrity is continued. It's a win win. It's just putting your trust in somebody to take that food and handle it properly,” Lee said.

Food that is picked up ranges in a variety of different items such as extra food that a restaurant is planning to throw away, fresh produce, frozen rotisserie chickens, bread, prepared food items such as sandwiches, fruit and vegetables, and more.

“It's a great, very giving community and I think if everyone knows there is a need out there and if they have excess food, we can rescue it and fill a huge need. Be the solution to the program,” said McCreery.

The nonprofit has 25 local volunteers. The co-founders said there’s an immense gratitude toward everyone who volunteers and partners with the organization.

Food Finders said local businesses can also help with canned food drives. Since the nonprofit is a 501c3, donations are a tax write-off.

FOOD DONATIONS FROM DONUT DELIGHT in Tyler are given to Food Finders of Smith County. The nonprofit takes 'perfectly healthy prepared food' that would otherwise be discarded from local businesses and immediately delivers it to charities to feed those in need.

Those interested in becoming donors or volunteers can email the Food Finders at foodfinders903@ gmail.com or call (903)-530-6379. You can also find them on Facebook under Food Finders of Smith County or at foodfinders.us.

MUSIC

ETSO director Richard Lee.

JOYOUS Melody

AREA SYMPHONIES FILL THE AIR WITH MUSIC

STORY BY SHERRY P. SHEPHARD

PHOTOS BY LES HASSELL, ANA CONEJO & OSCAR SARAVIA

When symphonic groups take the stage, the air suddenly becomes filled with the sound of music as they regale the audience. Symphonies in the Longview-Tyler area that have been regaling audiences for years include the East Texas Symphonic Band, Longview Symphony Orchestra, East Texas Symphony Orchestra and East Texas Youth Orchestra.

The East Texas Symphonic Band, under the leadership of James Snowden, has four formal concerts each season in the Belcher Center at LeTourneau University in Longview.

“We have two in the fall and two in the spring, usually on a Sunday afternoon or Monday night. And usually around the first or second Monday of February, we have two children’s (daytime) concerts,” Snowden said. “They bus all the area fifthgraders in for that concert and then we have our regular concert that night.”

Snowden, who founded the East Texas Symphonic Band in 1988, said this is their 34th season. As to the number of musicians in the band, he said it varies.

“We run about 60 people most of the time,” he said. “They’re just laypeople who still enjoy playing their instruments and still enjoy playing in a group.”

The band closes its season with the annual Pops in the Park concert at Teague Park.

“It’s close to the Memorial Day weekend and it’s mostly a patriotic and pops concert,” Snowden said.

This year’s concert in the park is set for 7 p.m. May 22.

The East Texas Symphonic Band has played for the Balloon Glow at the Great Texas Balloon Race, ETBU’s Memorial Day Celebration and the dedication of the LeTourneau University Belcher Center.

And its dedication and hard work have paid off.

“In 2015, the band was selected as Outstanding Community Band of North America by the John Philip Sousa Foundation,” Snowden said. “It’s a once-in-alifetime award given to a community band of very high standards and recognition.”

Snowden said the band received an invitation last year to perform at Carnegie Hall and also received an invitation to perform at Universal Studios in Orlando.

Snowden also founded the Longview Symphony and served as its conductor in those early years.

Tyler’s East Texas Symphony Orchestra is in its 86th year and has yet to slow down.

“We have performed every season except during WWII and COVID,” Executive Director Robin Hampton said. “Our current conductor, maestro Richard Lee, is going on his 11th year.”

The symphony's season, which ends in May, includes five concerts.

“We then hold four educational concerts for every fourth and fifth grade student in Tyler,” Hampton said. “We reach up to 4,000 students each year through that program by bringing instrumental music curriculum into classrooms throughout Smith County and East Texas.”

Hampton said the orchestra also has an annual Labor Day concert.

“It’s a communitywide celebration concert,” she said.

More than 100 musicians performed in the orchestra last year, Hampton said.

“They are professionals and we are a member of the League of American Orchestras,” she said. “We’ve done some really great concerts. We’re going to start summer concerts at TJC (Tyler Junior College) and we’ve performed for ‘The Nutcracker’ at TJC.”

The orchestra’s upcoming concerts at the UT Tyler Cowan Center include Tribute to Boston Pops on March 25 and The Creation on May 13.

The Longview Symphony Orchestra has provided classical and contemporary music since 1968 for residents of Longview and the surrounding East Texas area.

The Symphony’s conductor for the 2022-23 season is Gregory Grabowski, who has served as director of orchestral activities at Stephen F. Austin State University.

“He came in April of last year and we are just so pleased with him,” Executive Director Niki Groce said. “He is a wonderful conductor and has great programming skills.”

Groce said the number of concerts the Symphony Orchestra performs varies each season.

“But in terms of big concerts with full orchestra, that ranges

from three to four concerts, which can include anywhere from 60 to 80-something orchestra members,” she said. “We have something that I like to call a concert in between the concerts, which will have between 10 and 30 orchestra members and is more of a chamber style concert.”

Longview Symphony concerts take place at the LeTourneau University Belcher Center and the Longview Community Center.

In addition to its regular concerts, the symphony also hosts lunchtime concerts at area churches.

“We always have our Bach’s Lunch free concerts,” Groce said. “Those range from five to seven concerts a year.”

The next Bach’s Lunch concert is March 31 at First Presbyterian Church in Kilgore.

Groce said the symphony has three major events coming up.

“On March 4, we have our Tequila Bingo fundraiser at the Summit Club and on March 25 we’re going to have a free event to the public at the Longview Arboretum called the Mandalorian Mission Maze,” she said. “That’s going to be an event where you’re going to walk through the (Longview) Arboretum and meet lots of ‘Star Wars’ characters. You’re going to need to solve riddles and we’re going to have music and prizes. Everything will culminate April 29 at the Belcher Center for our ‘Star Wars’ Through the Years concert.”

The East Texas Youth Orchestra also has been around for many years.

Felix Torres, executive and artistic director, said the group was founded in 1955 and was first known as the Tyler Youth Orchestra.

“The Tyler Youth Orchestra was an offshoot of a program that the Women’s Symphony League of Tyler started in 1955,” he said. “There are people still associated with the Women’s Symphony League that remember that group starting in the ‘50s and it was a violin group only.”

But as times changed, so did the group's name.

“As Smith County and Tyler and | CONT. ON PG. 88

East Texas Symphony Orchestra

East Texas Symphony Orchestra

all of East Texas continued to grow, in 2014 they decided it was time for a name change to reflect how many students from outside Tyler we serve,” he said. “And now, in 2023, we have a student who drives from DeKalb, which is basically all the way up by Oklahoma.”

Torres said they also have had students from Longview, Pine Tree and Marshall.

“We currently have a few students from Nacogdoches and Lufkin,” he said. “We had a student previously from Groveton and now we have a student over by Winnsboro. We serve a wide variety of students.”

Concert season begins after Labor Day, Torres said.

“It’s that first Sunday after the Labor Day weekend and we go all the way to the weekend before Mother’s Day with time off in between,” he said. “We give four major performances every season. So we’ll give one in late October, one in December, another one at the end of February and then at the beginning of May.”

Torres also conducts the Symphony Orchestra, which he said is the group’s flagship orchestra.

Other ensembles include the Philharmonic Orchestra, Preparatory Orchestra and Saxophone Ensemble.

“And we also have two Jazz Ensembles. Our Lab Band is directed by Dr. Sarah Roberts, the director of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at UT Tyler,” Torres said. “That ensemble has been around since 2016 and then about a year ago we started Junior Jazz.”

Torres said he would love to see more community members who aren’t associated with ETYO come out to their concerts.

“We have some amazing kids that work really, really hard … and it would be great to see more community members who don’t even have kids in ETYO to come see what they’re doing,” he said. “They’re really playing very, very well and it’s always a treat to see young students have a love and appreciation for music.”

East Texas Youth Orchestra

MEMBERS OF THE LONGVIEW SYMPHONY perform during the Candlelight Chamber Concert at the Longview Community Center.

East Texas Symphony Orchestra

MEMBERS OF THE EAST TEXAS SYMPHONIC BAND perform at the Pops in the Park concert at the Longview Lions Club Amphitheater.

EDUCATION WORKS AT KILGORE COLLEGE!

START YOUR CAREER IN HEALTH SCIENCES IN ANY ONE OF OUR PROGRAMS.

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More information available at www.kilgore.edu/health-sciences.

MARCH/APRIL CALENDAR events

CANTON

FIRST MONDAY TRADE DAYS

MARCH 2-5, MARCH 30-APRIL

2, APRIL 27-30

First Monday Grounds

800 First Monday Lane https://www.firstmondaycanton. com/

G&S GUN SHOW

MARCH 11-12

Canton Civic Center

800 Flea Market Road https://www.visitcantontx.com/ events-1

VAN ZANDT COUNTY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

MARCH 16-18

Canton Civic Center

800 Flea Market Road

https://www.visitcantontx.com/ events-1

GARRETT MEMORIAL HUNT

APRIL 14-16

First Monday Grounds

800 First Monday Lane

https://garrett.com/sport/garrettmemorial-hunt

CARTHAGE

PINEY WOODS QUILT FESTIVAL

APRIL 14-15

Carthage Civic Center 1702 S Adams St. www.carthagetexas.com

GILMER

THIRD ANNUAL RISK IT FOR THE BRISKET COOK-OFF MARCH 24-25

Downtown Gilmer https://www.facebook.com/ livegilmer/

GLADEWATER

COMEDY MURDER MYSTERY DINNER

7:30 P.M. MARCH 10, 7 P.M. MARCH 11

Walker Manor Bed & Breakfast 214 East Commerce Avenue https://bit.ly/3CXPBOw

EAST TEXAS GUSHER DAYS

APRIL 14-15

Downtown Gladewater https://www.facebook.com/ easttexasgusherdays/

EAST TEXAS OIL & GAS GOLF TOURNAMENT

7 A.M. TO 3 P.M. APRIL 28

Tempest Golf Club

568 East Wilkins Rd.

https://www.tempestgolfclub.com/

HENDERSON

“INTO THE WOODS”

MARCH 3-5 AND 10-12

Henderson Civic Theatre 122 E. Main St.

https://hendersoncivictheatre.org/

MONSTER TRUCK WARS

1 TO 9 P.M. MARCH 11 Rusk County Expo Center 3303 FM 13

https://monstertrucks.fun/

7TH ANNUAL RESURRECTION RUN & EASTER EGG HUNT

7 TO 11 A.M. APRIL 1

Lake Forest Park 1005 TX-64

www.visittyler.com/events

JACKSONVILLE

LAS VEGAS CASINO NIGHT

7 P.M. TO 10 P.M. MARCH 4

The Legacy 782 CR 1511

https://www.jacksonvilletexas.com/

FLAMIN’ J BBQ FEST

4:30 P.M. TO 9 P.M. APRIL 1

Commerce Street Draft House 401 E. Commerce

https://www.jacksonvilletexas.com/

Avalon Faire, Kilgore

FOURTH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

11 A.M. APRIL 28

Cherokee Ranch Golf Club Highway 79 E. https://www.jacksonvilletexas.com/

KILGORE

4TH ANNUAL KILGORE ARTWALK

4 TO 8 P.M. MARCH 4 Downtown Kilgore Kilgore Street

http://kilgoremercantile.com/ events-calendar

BLUEGRASS/COUNTRY/ GOSPEL JAM

4 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M. MARCH 11 AND APRIL 8

Kilgore Mercantile & Music 105 N. Kilgore St. http://kilgoremercantile.com/ events-calendar

WINE & PURSE BINGO TO BENEFIT VETERANS SUPPORT COMMISSION

4 P.M. MARCH 18

Britt’s Wine and Dine 400 N. Garcia St. https://brittswine.com/

LONGVIEW SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BACH’S LUNCH

12 P.M. MARCH 31

First Presbyterian Church 815 E. Main St. https://longviewsymphony.org/

AVALON FAIRE

10 A.M. TO 7 P.M. SATURDAYS IN APRIL, 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. SUNDAYS IN APRIL 1076 FM 1252 W https://www.avalonfaire.com/

LONGVIEW

DIVINELY MADE: THE ONGOING LEGACY OF THE DIVINE NINE

10 A.M. MARCH 1-25

Gregg County Historical Museum 214 N. Fredonia St. http://gregghistorical.org/

ZONTA CLUB ANTIQUE SHOW AND SALE

10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. MARCH 3-5

Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/

JUSTIN WILLMAN: MAGIC FOR HUMANS

7 P.M. MARCH 4 Belcher Center 2100 S. Mobberly Ave. https://www.belchercenter.com/

WONDERLAND HIGH

7 P.M. MARCH 9-11, 2 P.M. MARCH 11

ArtsView Children’s Theatre 313 W. Tyler St. https://artsviewchildrenstheatre. com/

GUITARIST CHRISTIE LENEE

7 P.M. MARCH 10

Longview Museum of Fine Arts 215 E. Tyler St. https://www.lmfa.org/

LUCK OF THE PYGMYS GOAT SHOW

9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. MARCH 10 Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/

CASTING CROWNS

7 P.M. MARCH 10

Belcher Center 2100 S. Mobberly Ave. https://www.belchercenter.com/

Kite Festival, Longview

EAST TEXAS FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION

8 A.M. TO 10 A.M. MARCH 10 AND APRIL 14

Longview Exhibit Center 1123 Jaycee Drive

https://www.easttexasfoodbank.org/

LONGVIEW JAYCEES TRADE DAYS

9 A.M. MARCH 11 AND APRIL 15, 10 A.M. MARCH 12 AND APRIL

16

Longview Exhibit Center 1123 Jaycee Drive

http://www.greggcountyfair.com/ Trade_Days

LONGVIEW WOW TINKERING CLUB

4 P.M. TO 5:30 P.M. MARCH 12 AND APRIL 9

Longview World of Wonders 112 E. Tyler St.

https://longviewwow.org/

KITE FESTIVAL

12 P.M. TO 6 P.M. MARCH 15

Lear Park 100 H.G. Mosley Parkway

https://www.longviewtexas. gov/4198/Kite-Festival

CELTIC ANGELS: IRELAND

7 P.M. MARCH 17

Belcher Center

2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

https://www.belchercenter.com/

WOMEN IN LONGVIEW DAY

11 A.M. TO 2 P.M. MARCH 23

Holiday Inn

300 Tuttle Circle

https://womeninlongview.org/

THEATRE LONGVIEW’S “ARSENIC AND OLD LACE”

7 P.M. MARCH 23-25 AND 2 P.M. MARCH 25-26

Longview Community Center 500 E. Whaley St. https://www.theatrelongview.com/

LONGVIEW SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

MANDALORIAN MISSION MAZE

5 P.M. MARCH 25

Longview Arboretum & Nature Center

706 W. Cotton St. https://longviewsymphony.org/

ROOTS IN THE GARDENS CONCERT SERIES

5 P.M. MARCH 30 AND APRIL 6, 13, 20, 27

Longview Arboretum & Nature Center

706 W. Cotton St. http://www.longviewarboretum. org/

DALTON DAYS AND WILD WEST SHOW

10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. APRIL 1

Gregg County Historical Museum 214 N. Fredonia St. http://gregghistorical.org/

BATTLE OF THE EAST CAR & DOG SHOW

10 A.M. TO 8 P.M. APRIL 1

Longview Exhibit Center

1123 Jaycee Drive

https://www.longviewtexas. gov/3765/Calendars-and-Events

EAST TEXAS SYMPHONIC BAND

7:30 P.M. APRIL 3

Belcher Center 2100 S. Mobberly Ave. https://etsymphonicband.org/

YOUR BEST CARE DAY

9 A.M. TO 3 P.M. APRIL 15

Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd. https://sheryllmitchell.com/

HARVEST FESTIVAL CRAWFISH BOIL

3 P.M. TO 10 P.M. APRIL 22

Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd.

https://www. harvestfestivallivestockshow.com/ crawfish-boil/

MOBBERLY RUMMAGE SALE

8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. APRIL 28 AND

8 A.M. TO 2 P.M. APRIL 29 Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd. https://mobberly.org/

LONGVIEW SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA STAR WARS THROUGH THE YEARS

7 P.M. APRIL 29

Belcher Center 2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

https://longviewsymphony.org/

LONGVIEW SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BACH’S LUNCH

12 P.M. APRIL 21 First Baptist Church 209 E. South St.

https://longviewsymphony.org/

PRCA RODEO

5:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M. APRIL

21-22

Longview Rodeo Pavilion 100 Grand Blvd.

https://www.prorodeo.com/

BLOOMS & BUTTERFLIES

10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. APRIL 22

Teague Park

| CONT. FROM PG. 93

Dalton Days, Longview

1201 Park Lane https://zontalongview.clubexpress. com/

MARSHALL

PAT HAZELL’S “PERMANENT RECORD”

7:30 P.M. MARCH 11

Memorial City Hall

110 E. Houston St. https://www.memorialcityhall.com/

RUTHIE FOSTER

7:30 P.M. APRIL 1

Memorial City Hall

110 E. Houston St. https://www.memorialcityhall.com/

TYLER

HAGGARD & JONES

7:30 P.M. MARCH 1

Liberty Hall

103 E. Erwin St. https://libertytyler.com/

TRINITY IRISH DANCE COMPANY

7:30 P.M. MARCH 2

UT Tyler Cowan Center 3900 University Blvd., Tyler https://cowancenter.org/

STAND UP COMEDY

7:30 P.M. MARCH 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 AND APRIL 7, 14, 21, 28

Rose City Comedy Club 117 W. Front St. https://rosecitycomedy.club/

GIRLS GETAWAY DAY: SHOPPING/BACHELORETTE EVENT

10 A.M. MARCH 4

Tyler Rose Garden Center 420 Rose Horse Park Dr. https://bit.ly/3HhL6Bd

EAST TEXAS BIG EVENT: COMMUNITYWIDE SERVICE DAY

8 A.M. TO 2 P.M. MARCH 4

Downtown Tyler Square 100 W Ferguson St https://www.uttyler.edu/service/ bigevent.php

FRESH 15, 1K, 5K, 15K RACES

5 TO 11 A.M. MARCH 4

FRESH By Brookshire’s 6990 Old Jacksonville Highway www.bgcracing.com/fresh-15/ registration

ROSE CITY FARMERS WINTER MARKET

10 A.M. TO 1 P.M. MARCH 11 ETX Brewing Co. 221 S. Broadway Ave. https://www.facebook.com/ rosecityfarmersmarket/

HIT THE BRICKS MARCH 11

Downtown Tyler Square 100 W Ferguson St. www.visittyler.com/events

MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL

7 P.M. MARCH 17 Liberty Hall 103 E. Erwin St. https://libertytyler.com/

HOLIDAY MARKET

8 A.M. TO 4 P.M. MARCH 18

Downtown Tyler Square 100 W Ferguson St. www.visittyler.com/events

VINTAGE MARKET DAYS OF EAST TEXAS SPRING EVENT

10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. MARCH 1719

The Oil PAlace 10408 Texas 64 https://bit.ly/3Ha1aoF

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

MARCH 17-19 AND 23-26

Tyler Civic Theatre Center 400 Rose Park Drive https://tylercivictheatre.com/

33RD ANNUAL EAST TEXAS AUTO & CYCLE SHOW

11 A.M. TO 4 P.M. MARCH 18 Green Acres Baptist Church 1607 Troup Hwy. www.autoandcycleshow.com

ROCKIN’ SHAMROCK 5K, 10K, 15K

8:30 A.M. MARCH 18

Rose Rudman Park 450 Shiloh Rd. www.thefreedomrunners.com

ANNIE

7:30 P.M. MARCH 22 UT Tyler Cowan Center 3900 University Blvd., Tyler https://cowancenter.org/

AZALEA & SPRING FLOWER

TRAIL

MARCH 24 TO APRIL 9

Azalea District

212 W. Dobbs St.

www.tylerazaleatrail.com

EAST TEXAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TRIBUTE TO BOSTON POPS

7:30 P.M. MARCH 25

UT Tyler Cowan Center 3900 University Blvd. https://etso.org/

SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY BLUEGRASS BAND

7 P.M. MARCH 25

Liberty Hall

103 E. Erwin St. https://libertytyler.com/

40TH ANNUAL TYLER AZALEA RUN

9 A.M. MARCH 25

Bergfeld Park 1501 S. Broadway Ave. runsignup.com/Race/TX/Tyler/ AzaleaRun

EAST TEXAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: TRIBUTE TO BOSTON POPS

7:30 P.M. MARCH 25

UT Tyler Cowan Center 3900 University Boulevard https://etso.org/

AZALEA ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR

10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. MARCH 25 Bergfeld Park 1501 S. Broadway Ave. www.cityoftyler.org/government/ departments/parks-rec

UT TYLER PATRIOT GOLF CLASSIC

7 A.M. TO 4 P.M. MARCH 27 Cascades Country Club 4511 Briarwood Road https://www.uttyler.edu/ advancement/golf-classic/

12TH ANNUAL TYLER AUTISM RUN

8 A.M. APRIL 1 Pollard United Methodist Church 3030 New Copeland Rd. https://www.pollardumc.com/

GREAT TYLER CLEANUP

9 A.M. TO NOON APRIL 1 Southside Park 455 Shiloh Rd. www.cityoftyler.org/government/ departments/parks-rec/ community/keep-tyler-beautiful

DIA DEL NINO FESTIVAL

2 P.M. APRIL 2

Bergfeld Park

1501 S. Broadway Ave.

LINDALE CHAMBER ANNUAL BANQUET/AUCTION: DEEP IN THE HEART OF EAST TEXAS

5 TO 8:30 P.M. APRIL 3

Texas Rose Horse Park

14078 Hwy 110 N

https://lindalechamber.org/banquet

EAST TEXAS PSYCHIC FAIR

10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. APRIL 8

Magnuson Grand Hotel

3310 Troup Hwy. https://www.facebook.com/ EastTexasPsychicFair/

HIT THE BRICKS

APRIL 8

Downtown Tyler Square 100 W Ferguson St. www.visittyler.com/events

ROSE CITY FARMERS WINTER MARKET

10 A.M. TO 1 P.M. APRIL 8 ETX Brewing Co.

221 S. Broadway Ave. https://www.facebook.com/ rosecityfarmersmarket/

SUNRISE ON THE SQUARE WITH CALVARY CHAPEL

6 TO 10 A.M. APRIL 9

Downtown Tyler Square 100 W Ferguson St. www.visittyler.com/events

CHICAGO: THE MUSICAL

7:30 P.M. APRIL 13

UT Tyler Cowan Center 3900 University Blvd., Tyler https://cowancenter.org/ POPOVICH COMEDY PET THEATER

6:30 P.M. APRIL 15

UT Tyler Cowan Center 3900 University Blvd., Tyler https://cowancenter.org/ THE MALPASS BROTHERS

7:30 P.M. APRIL 20

Liberty Hall

103 E. Erwin St. https://libertytyler.com/

MICHAEL CARBONARO: LIES ON STAGE

7:30 P.M. APRIL 20

UT Tyler Cowan Center 3900 University Blvd., Tyler https://cowancenter.org/

GODSPELL JR. APRIL 20-22

Tyler Civic Theatre Center

400 Rose Park Drive

https://tylercivictheatre.com/

EAST TEXAS CRISIS CENTER

DENIM DAY

11 A.M. TO 1 P.M. APRIL 22

Downtown Tyler Square 100 W Ferguson St. www.visittyler.com/events

SPRING INTO ACTION 5K, 10K, 15K

9:30 A.M. TO NOON APRIL 29

Rose Rudman Park 450 Shiloh Rd. www.thefreedomrunners.com

PRAISE FEST

5 TO 9 P.M. APRIL 29

Downtown Tyler Square 100 W. Erwin St. www.visittyler.com/events

Note: Events are subject to change. Please verify with organizers at time of event. Want to see your event on the calendar? Email your submissions to info@etxview. com by March 20 for consideration in the May/ June issue.

Tyler Run for Autism

- Jim Miller Member Since 2008

“The Institute for Healthy Living Fitness and Aquatics Center is more than a gym. The highly trained therapist and personal trainers have helped me, and others, improve our health and lifestyle. It’s also a very close-knit family. I know the staff and other members personally and they know me, and that really makes a big difference.” There's

• 24-hour Access

• Aquatic center with heated therapy pool, fourlane lap pool, hot tub, and cold plunge

• Spacious locker room

• Group fitness studio and classes

• Top-of-the-line strength training equipment

• Cardiovascular equipment, including upright and recumbent bicycles, ellipticals, treadmills, rowers and stair mill

• Free wifi

Learn